Abstract
For efficient downstream processing, harvesting remains as one of the challenges in producing Nannochloropsis biomass, a microalga with high-value omega-3 oils. Flocculation is an effective, low-energy, low-cost method to harvest microalgae. Chitosan has been shown to be an effective food-grade flocculant; however, commercial chitosan is sourced from crustaceans, which has disadvantages including concerns over heavy-metal contamination. Thus, this study tests the flocculation potential of mushroom chitosan. Our results indicate a 13% yield of chitosan from mushroom. The identity of the prepared chitosan was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Furthermore, results show that mushroom chitosan can be an alternative flocculant with >95% flocculation efficiency when tested in 100-mL jar and 200-L vertical column photobioreactor. Applications in a 2000-L raceway pond demonstrated that thorough mixing of mushroom chitosan with the algal culture is required to achieve efficient flocculation. With proper mixing, mushroom chitosan can be used to produce food-grade Nannochloropsis biomass suitable for the production of vegan omega-3 oils as a fish oil alternative.
Highlights
Microalgae are photosynthetic microorganisms that grow in various environments
Mushroom chitosan was prepared from mushroom chitin via alkaline treatment
For the 500 g-mushroom powder, 157.02 g of crude chitin were obtained resulting in a 31.4% yield
Summary
Microalgae are photosynthetic microorganisms that grow in various environments. Research on microalgae has shifted from their use as biofuel to the production of nutraceuticals such as omega-3 fatty acids, carotenoids, and protein. Is a marine microalga, which contains high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids in the form of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) that has been proposed as a suitable vegan alternative for fish oil (Chua and Schenk, 2017). Its protein content can reach 36% of the biomass (Schulze et al, 2016) and even 46% according to our own data. Because of these abundant high-value products, Nannochloropsis sp. Because of these abundant high-value products, Nannochloropsis sp. has gained interest from investors for large-scale cultivation.
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